Department of Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary program that offers a major and minor so that students can study the historical, cultural and social dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States.

The Department of Ethnic Studies is committed to engaging decolonizing methodologies and acknowledges that USD is built on Kumeyaay Indigenous homeland.

The Department of Ethnic Studies addresses our shared national legacy of conquest, contact and resistance through comparative and ethnic specific lenses.

Our core courses thoroughly ground students in theoretical perspectives related to the three themes of History and Identity, Creativity and Spirituality, and Institutions and Activism. Within these broad categories, students are encouraged to develop their own areas of expertise, as they explore local and national communities of color.

Through community service learning and internships, students are challenged to engage with issues of privilege, difference, inequality, social justice and empowerment in an applied manner.

Ethnic Studies is uniquely situated to provide students with cross-cultural competence, with a historical grounding in domestic social justice issues, and with conflict resolution skills - all essential to civic life in an increasingly diverse nation and world. Our majors are well prepared for careers in law, education, business, social work, counseling, public health, politics and graduate study in Ethnic Studies.

Ethnic Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary program that allows students to critically study the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States and transnationally. The major addresses our shared national legacy of contact, conquest, and resistance through comparative and ethnic specific lenses.

Why Choose Ethnic Studies at USD?

Diverse Curriculum and Student Opportunities

Students are encouraged to forge their own course of study based on their passions and experiences, which empowers students to be independent, critical thinkers.

Community Outreach

Students are exposed to local, regional and global communities thereby expanding their knowledge of cultures, so they can become ethical/ empathetic leaders.

Engaged Faculty

Faculty are invested in the success of the department and each student - taking pride in collective successes - so students find mentors, advocates and friends in the ES faculty. This helps with letters of recommendation, advising and professional aspirations.

Practical Experience

Faculty are actively engaged in their own research projects, and students are able to work on these efforts alongside their faculty mentors.